Title: Cannon Fodder Rebellion

CHAPTER 3

Chapter 3: An Unlikely Alliance

The days that followed the meeting in the barn were filled with a charged sense of anticipation. Xia Lin and Xu Luanyo worked tirelessly to gather support from the other servants, spreading whispers of rebellion like seeds on the wind. Each conversation brought new faces into their fold, and with each new ally, Xia Lin felt the weight of her purpose grow heavier and more exhilarating.

One afternoon, while organizing supplies in the kitchen, Xia Lin overheard two kitchen maids discussing their dreams of freedom. *“If we could just escape this place…”* one whispered, her voice tinged with longing. Xia Lin felt the familiar tug of empathy, the urge to encourage their desires.

That evening, as the shadows lengthened, Xia Lin and Xu Luanyo met in the courtyard to discuss their progress. The stars twinkled above them, a reminder of the vastness of the world beyond the estate’s walls.

“More servants are willing to join us,” Xu Luanyo said, his voice low but filled with determination. “But we need a plan—something bold that will make the elite take notice.”

Xia Lin nodded, her mind racing with ideas. “What if we staged a demonstration? Something that disrupts their daily routine and shows them we will no longer be silent?”

He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “A demonstration?”

“Yes! We could gather everyone in the main square during the annual Harvest Festival. It’s a time when the Xu family hosts a grand celebration, and many nobles will be present. If we make our voices heard there, it could send a powerful message.”

Xu Luanyo considered her suggestion, a thoughtful expression crossing his features. “It’s dangerous. If we’re caught…”

“We won’t be caught,” she assured him, her confidence growing. “Together, we can plan this carefully. We know the estate, and we know their routines. We can outsmart them.”

A fire ignited in his eyes, and he nodded in agreement. “You’re right. If we can disrupt the festival, it will show everyone that we are united. We can’t let fear hold us back any longer.”

As they finalized their plans, Xia Lin could feel the energy in the air shift. The thought of rebellion was no longer just a dream; it was becoming a reality. The morning of the Harvest Festival arrived, bright and bustling with activity. The estate was adorned with colorful banners and fragrant garlands, a stark contrast to the tension brewing beneath the surface.

Xia Lin and Xu Luanyo moved through the throngs of guests, blending in seamlessly with the servants. The music played, laughter rang out, and the scent of roasted meats filled the air, but Xia Lin’s heart raced with purpose. This was the moment they had prepared for.

As the sun reached its zenith, she and Xu Luanyo exchanged a determined glance. It was time.

“Gather everyone near the fountain,” he instructed her, his voice steady. “I’ll create a distraction by the main entrance.”

With a nod, Xia Lin slipped away, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the thoughts of her fellow servants swirling around her, a mix of anticipation and fear. They were ready. She could sense it.

As she reached the fountain, she raised her voice, calling out to those gathered. “Everyone! We need your help! Now is the time to show them we will no longer be silenced!”

The crowd quieted, curiosity piquing. Xia Lin felt a surge of energy from the group, their minds aligning with her resolve. The whispers of rebellion that had once been mere murmurs were now a rallying cry.

Just as Xu Luanyo created a commotion at the main entrance, drawing the attention of the nobles, Xia Lin stepped forward, her voice ringing clear. “We are not mere servants! We are the backbone of this estate, and we demand to be heard!”

Gasps rippled through the crowd, and she could feel their surprise turning into determination. The nobles began to gather, their expressions a mix of confusion and disdain. Xia Lin had their attention.

“Enough of this oppression!” she continued, her voice gaining strength. “We have toiled for you, sacrificed ourselves, and in return, we have received nothing but disdain. No more!”

As she spoke, Xu Luanyo joined her side, his presence a powerful anchor. “Together, we stand united. We will no longer accept our roles as mere cannon fodder in your story. We will forge our own destinies!”

The crowd erupted into cheers, and Xia Lin felt the energy surge around her. The murmurs of support transformed into a chorus of voices demanding change. It was as if a dam had broken, releasing the pent-up frustration of years of servitude.

But as the nobles began to react, Xia Lin’s heart raced with concern. The ruling elite would not take this lightly. She could see the fury in their eyes, the way they clutched their drinks as they whispered to one another.

Suddenly, a voice broke through the chaos—a sharp, commanding tone that silenced the crowd. “What is the meaning of this?” It was Lady Xu, Xu Luanyo’s mother, her demeanor cold and unforgiving.

Xia Lin felt a chill run down her spine, but she steeled herself. This was the moment they had prepared for. “The meaning is simple, Lady Xu. We are tired of being your pawns. We demand respect, dignity, and the right to choose our own paths!”

The tension in the air was palpable, and for a moment, it felt as if time had frozen. Xia Lin held her breath, waiting for the response that would determine the fate of their rebellion.

Lady Xu’s expression hardened, but before she could respond, Xu Luanyo stepped forward, his voice firm. “This is our stand. We will not back down.”

The crowd rallied behind them, their voices a resounding echo of support. In that pivotal moment, Xia Lin realized that